The semi-autonomous Kurdish region, dominated for decades by two political parties, has seen continuous protests in recent months against corruption and a lack of freedom, inspired by rallies in other Arab countries.

The clashes erupted when police trying to drive protesters out of a main square opened fire and used batons and tear gas, wounding around 28 protesters, police and witnesses said.

Rekawt Hama Rasheed, general director of the health office in Sulaimaniya, the region's second-largest city, said hospitals received 35 wounded, including seven protesters suffering from bullet wounds and others who were hurt by batons or tear gas.

Seven policemen suffered exposure to tear gas, Rasheed said.

Two journalists were wounded, including a photographer who was shot while covering the clashes, said Rahman Gharib, an editor at the Kurdish weekly newspaper Hawalati.

Reuters